Important purchase for Kerikeri Basin protection

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick and Far
North Mayor Wayne Brown today announced the purchase of the
last remaining block of land still in private ownership in
the Kororipo-Kerikeri Basin.

“The property has been
owned by the Kemp family since the mid 1800s and I am
extremely grateful to them for agreeing that the time was
right for it to move into public hands. I can assure them
the property will be treated appropriately and with
respect,” Steve Chadwick said.

“The foresight of this
historic Kerikeri family will contribute towards further
sustainable development of the Kororipo-Kerikeri Basin. The
purchase protects a critical historic part of the basin,
while allowing for footpaths and access to the land from a
new car park to be established behind the property.”

The
Kerikeri Basin is considered by many historians to be one of
New Zealand’s most important cultural and historic sites,
and the government has recently announced that it is
promoting the basin as a potential World Heritage
Site.

The Far North District Council and the Department of
Conservation (DOC) jointly purchased the property. The land
will be held and managed by the Far North District
Council.

The Kemp property was the site of the early
Church of England Mission and currently houses a restaurant,
an old blacksmith’s shed and a pear tree planted in 1819.

“The joint purchase of the Kemp property is a
reflection of the good working relationship and
understanding between the district council and DOC through
the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass project,” Mayor Brown
said.

“I am pleased that the community now has a
tangible interest in the sustainable management of this
important and iconic
area.”

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